US20160096486A1 - Camera system and vehicle - Google Patents
Camera system and vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160096486A1 US20160096486A1 US14/506,713 US201414506713A US2016096486A1 US 20160096486 A1 US20160096486 A1 US 20160096486A1 US 201414506713 A US201414506713 A US 201414506713A US 2016096486 A1 US2016096486 A1 US 2016096486A1
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- Prior art keywords
- edge
- airstream
- camera
- vehicle
- duct
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Links
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- MROJXXOCABQVEF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Actarit Chemical compound CC(=O)NC1=CC=C(CC(O)=O)C=C1 MROJXXOCABQVEF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 10
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- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 3
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Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R11/04—Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/24—Devices purely for ventilating or where the heating or cooling is irrelevant
- B60H1/26—Ventilating openings in vehicle exterior; Ducts for conveying ventilating air
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
- B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
- B60S1/54—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices using gas, e.g. hot air
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
- B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
- B60S1/56—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices specially adapted for cleaning other parts or devices than front windows or windscreens
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N7/00—Television systems
- H04N7/18—Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
- H04N7/183—Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast for receiving images from a single remote source
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
- B60R2300/10—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the type of camera system used
- B60R2300/101—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the type of camera system used using cameras with adjustable capturing direction
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
- B60R2300/60—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by monitoring and displaying vehicle exterior scenes from a transformed perspective
Definitions
- the disclosure relates to a camera system for a vehicle.
- Vehicles may include camera systems configured to monitor conditions exterior to the vehicle.
- a camera system may monitor road surface conditions, traffic conditions, and/or a position of objects exterior to the vehicle. Since vehicles may operate in wet and/or dirty environments, such camera systems are often exposed to moisture and/or debris.
- a camera system for a vehicle includes a body defining a cavity therein, and a camera including a lens.
- the camera is disposed in a deployed position such that the lens protrudes from the cavity.
- the camera system also includes a debris region covering the lens and a duct disposed within the cavity.
- the duct defines a channel therein and has a first end spaced apart from the camera and a second end spaced apart from the first end.
- the duct is configured for directing an airstream through the channel from the first end to the debris region.
- the duct defines a plurality of channels therein arranged in a circular array about the debris region.
- the duct is configured for directing an airstream through the plurality of channels from the first end to the debris region.
- a vehicle includes a frame and an airstream flowable around the frame.
- the vehicle also includes a camera system including a body attached to the frame and defining a cavity.
- the camera system further includes a camera including a lens, wherein the camera is disposed in a deployed position such that the lens protrudes from the cavity.
- the camera system also includes a debris region covering the lens and a duct disposed within the cavity.
- the duct defines a channel therein and has a first end spaced apart from the camera and a second end spaced apart from the first end.
- the duct is configured for directing the airstream through the channel from the first end to the debris region.
- the vehicle also includes a contaminant current disposed in fluid communication with the airstream.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle including a camera system having a camera disposed in a deployed position;
- FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a duct of the camera system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of another embodiment of the duct of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of an air mover attached to the duct of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a further embodiment of the duct of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of the duct of FIG. 5 , taken along section lines 6 - 6 .
- a vehicle 10 including a camera system 12 is shown generally in FIG. 1 .
- the vehicle 10 and camera system 12 may be suitable for use during wet and/or dirty vehicle operating conditions in which the camera system 12 is exposed to moisture, debris, and/or contaminants. Therefore, the vehicle 10 and camera system 12 may be useful for automotive applications. Alternatively, the vehicle 10 and camera system 12 may be useful for non-automotive applications such as remote monitoring or security applications for industrial vehicles or aircraft.
- the vehicle 10 may be an automotive vehicle such as a passenger sedan, truck, or sport utility vehicle. As such, the vehicle 10 may be configured for transporting one or more occupants and/or goods.
- the camera system 12 may be situated at any location on an exterior of the vehicle 10 and may be arranged to provide monitoring of, for example, road surface conditions, traffic conditions, and/or a presence or position of an object external or adjacent to the vehicle 10 . Therefore, the camera system 12 may be a component of an autonomous driving system, lane departure alert system, and/or object detection system for the vehicle 10 .
- the camera system 12 may be a rearview or backup camera system 12 configured for monitoring conditions during forward or reverse travel of the vehicle 10 .
- the vehicle 10 includes a frame 14 configured for supporting one or more components of the vehicle 10 , e.g., an axle (not shown), an internal combustion engine (not shown), and/or a battery (not shown).
- the camera system 12 includes a body 16 attached to the frame 14 and defining a cavity 18 or recession therein.
- the body 16 may be a component of the vehicle 10 , such as, but not limited to, a rear decklid (shown generally at 116 ), a fascia, a bumper, a side body panel, a roof, and the like.
- the body 16 may be formed from any material, such as metal or plastic.
- the body 16 may be formed from two sheet metal components welded together to define the cavity 18 therebetween.
- the camera system 12 includes a camera 20 having a lens 22 .
- the camera 20 may be any suitable type of camera 20 , such as, but not limited to, an infrared camera, and the camera 20 may be formed from any suitable material according to vehicle or component styling.
- the lens 22 may be an optical lens having a field of vision adjacent to or in front of the camera 20 and may be configured for collecting light so that the camera 20 may produce an image.
- the camera system 12 may include a plurality of cameras 20 , e.g., two or more cameras 20 disposed within a respective one of a plurality of cavities 18 (not shown).
- the camera system 12 may be further characterized as a fixed or stationary camera system 12 in which the camera 20 remains in a deployed position 24 such that the lens 22 protrudes from the cavity 18 . That is, the camera 20 and lens 22 may produce an image when the camera 20 is disposed in the deployed position 24 .
- the camera system 12 may be characterized as a deployable or retractable camera system 12 in which the camera 20 reversibly transitions between the deployed position 24 and a stowed position (not shown) such that the lens 22 is retracted into the cavity 18 . That is, the camera 20 and lens 22 may not be visible to a vehicle operator when the camera 20 is disposed in the stowed position.
- the camera system 12 may be described as a continuously-operational camera system 12 that operates and generate images when the vehicle 10 is operating, e.g., when the vehicle 10 is moving, when the vehicle 10 is parked, etc.
- the camera system 12 may be described as an on-demand or selectively-deployable camera system 12 that may operate only during certain vehicle operating conditions, e.g., when the vehicle 10 is parked, traveling in reverse, or operating at a certain speed, etc.
- the camera system 12 also includes a debris region 26 covering the lens 22 .
- the debris region 26 may surround and envelop the lens 22 , and may represent a zone or area in which a contaminant current 28 may foul or obscure the lens 22 . That is, the vehicle 10 further includes the contaminant current 28 flowable around the frame 14 towards the debris region 26 .
- the contaminant current 28 may be a portion of an airflow about the body 16 during operation of the vehicle 10 , and may include debris such as dust or dirt; contaminants such as grease or tar; and/or moisture from rain, standing water, road spray, or snow.
- the contaminant current 28 may originate from underneath the frame 14 of the vehicle 10 and carry or deposit the aforementioned debris, contaminants, and/or moisture to the debris region 26 . Therefore, the debris region 26 may be a three-dimensional space, e.g., a hemispherical zone, which may surround the lens 22 .
- the vehicle 10 also includes an airstream 38 flowable around the frame 14 .
- the airstream 38 may be another portion of the airflow across the body 16 during operation of the vehicle 10 that is substantially free from debris, contaminants, and/or moisture. That is, the airstream 38 may be characterized as a comparatively clean, ambient quantity of air that flows along the frame 14 and body 16 as the vehicle 10 travels along a surface.
- the airstream 38 may flow along a side surface or a roofline or a window glass of the vehicle 10 during operation of the vehicle 10 as the vehicle 10 travels through the environment.
- the camera system 12 further includes a duct 30 ( FIG. 2 ), 130 ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ), 230 ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) disposed within the cavity 18 .
- the duct 30 defines a channel 32 therein, and has a first end 34 spaced apart from the camera 20 and a second end 36 spaced apart from the first end 34 .
- the duct 30 is configured for directing the airstream 38 through the channel 32 from the first end 34 to the debris region 26 . That is, the second end 36 may be disposed in fluid communication with the debris region 26 such that the second end 36 ejects the airstream 38 into the debris region 26 , as set forth in more detail below.
- the body 16 may be the decklid 116 that is pivotably attached to the frame 14 of the vehicle 10 and configured for covering a trunk compartment 40 defined by the frame 14 .
- the decklid 116 may have a first edge 42 and a second edge 44 spaced apart from the first edge 42 .
- the first edge 42 may be disposed adjacent a rear window glass 100 of the vehicle 10 .
- the second edge 44 may sealingly abut a rear bumper or fascia when the decklid 116 is disposed in the closed position 46 .
- the decklid 116 may also include a proximal edge 48 abutting the first edge 42 and the second edge 44 , and a distal edge 50 spaced apart from the proximal edge 48 and abutting the first edge 42 and the second edge 44 .
- the decklid 116 may have a surface 52 extending between the first edge 42 and the second edge 44 and defining a void 54 therethrough. That is, the surface 52 may extend between the first edge 42 , the second edge 44 , the proximal edge 48 , and the distal edge 50 so that the decklid 116 has a generally rectangular shape.
- the duct 30 may extend from the first edge 42 through the void 54 and protrude from the surface 52 . Therefore, the duct 30 may route or direct the airstream 38 from the first edge 42 through the surface 52 to the camera 20 and lens 22 ( FIG. 1 ).
- the duct 30 may be formed from any suitable material, and the duct 30 and channel 32 may have any size and/or shape. However, generally, the duct 30 may be formed from a flexible, durable material such as a plastic or an elastomer so as to snake along the surface 52 and through the void 54 according to vehicle styling constraints or requirements.
- the camera system 12 may further include an aggregator component 56 connected to the first end 34 and configured for collecting the airstream 38 . That is, the aggregator component 56 may collect, aggregate, or funnel the airstream into the channel 32 . As such, the aggregator component 56 may have a comparatively larger width or diameter than a width or diameter of the channel 32 and may passively collect the airstream 38 as the vehicle 10 travels along a road surface. For this embodiment, the aggregator component 56 may be disposed at the proximal edge 48 , and the duct 130 may extend through the void 54 and protrude from the surface 52 .
- the aggregator component 56 may passively collect the airstream 38 as the airstream 38 travels over a roofline (not shown) and/or a rear window glass (not shown) of the vehicle 10 during vehicle operation. That is, the aggregator component 56 may collect the airstream 38 at an aerodynamic region or location of comparatively high pressure to thereby provide a comparatively non-contaminated or clean airflow, i.e., the airstream 38 , through the channel 32 to the camera 20 and lens 22 . As such, the aggregator component 56 may be useful for efficiently directing the airstream 38 to the channel 32 and the debris region 26 as the vehicle 10 travels at relatively high speed, e.g., highway speeds of greater than or equal to about 70 kilometers per hour.
- relatively high speed e.g., highway speeds of greater than or equal to about 70 kilometers per hour.
- the camera system 12 further includes an air mover 58 attached to the first end 34 and configured for pushing the airstream 38 through the channel 32 . That is, the air mover 58 may actively drive or force the airstream 38 through the channel 32 towards the debris region 26 .
- the air mover 58 may be selectively transitionable to an electrically powered state (shown generally at 60 ) in which the air mover 58 pushes the airstream 38 from the first end 34 to the debris region 26 .
- the air mover 58 may be powered by an electric system (not shown) of the vehicle 10 and may only draw power to force the airstream 38 through the channel 32 during certain vehicle operating conditions, e.g., when windshield wipers are operating and/or when the vehicle 10 travels in reverse. As such, the air mover 58 may actively move the airstream 38 through the channel 32 even when the vehicle 10 is traveling at relatively low speeds, e.g., at speeds of less than about 70 kilometers per hour. That is, the air mover 58 may force the airstream 38 through the channel 32 to thereby provide a comparatively non-contaminated or clean airflow through the channel 32 to the camera 20 and lens 22 regardless of vehicle speeds.
- the air mover 58 may be a fan or compressor that may push or force the airstream 38 through the channel 32 . More specifically, with continued reference to FIG. 4 , the air mover 58 may be attached to the surface 52 of the decklid 116 and disposed between the first edge 42 , the second edge 44 , the proximal edge 48 , and the distal edge 50 . Therefore, the air mover 58 may be hidden from view when the decklid 116 is disposed in the closed position 46 ( FIG. 3 ).
- the duct 230 may also define a plurality of channels 32 therein arranged in a circular array 62 about the debris region 26 .
- the duct 230 may be configured for directing the airstream 38 through the plurality of channels 32 from the first end 34 to the debris region 26 .
- each of the plurality of channels 32 may be spaced apart from one another at the second end 36 and arranged in the circular array 62 about the debris region 26 . That is, the circular array 62 may be disposed within the debris region 26 and surround the lens 22 .
- the duct 230 may include a membrane 64 configured for alternately translating toward and away from the second end 36 to alternately thereby push and pull the airstream 38 towards and away from the debris region 26 .
- the camera system 12 may include a piezoelectric actuator 66 attached to the duct 230 .
- the piezoelectric actuator 66 may be configured for vibrating the membrane 64 to alternately push and pull the airstream 38 towards and away from the debris region 26 . That is, the piezoelectric actuator 66 may include a piezoelectric material that produces an electric current under mechanical load and conversely changes shape in response to an electrical current.
- the piezoelectric actuator 66 may therefore actuate the membrane 64 , i.e., vibrate or alternately translate the membrane 64 , on demand upon application of the electric current. Such pulses or alternate push and pull of the airstream 38 may decouple the contaminant current 28 from the debris region 26 surrounding the lens 22 and thereby shield or protect the lens 22 from debris, contaminants, and/or moisture.
- the vehicle 10 may further include a shield 68 formed by the airstream 38 at the debris region 26 that is configured for displacing or diluting the contaminant current 28 .
- the shield 68 may be a zone having a comparatively higher pressure than a pressure of the debris region 26 and may therefore prevent the contaminant current 28 from depositing contaminants onto the lens 22 .
- the airstream 38 ejected from the plurality of channels 32 may flow across the debris region 26 to form the shield 68 having a first air pressure.
- the contaminant current 28 may flow towards the debris region 26 such that the debris region 26 has a second air pressure that is less than the first air pressure. Therefore, the airstream 38 may pierce or intersect or disrupt the contaminant current 28 to form the shield 68 and protect the lens 22 from contaminants.
- the contaminant current 28 may be disposed in fluid communication with the airstream 38 by way of the duct 30 , 130 , 230 and channel(s) 32 .
- the contaminant current 28 may be displaceable or interruptable by the airstream 38 that is directed through the channel(s) 32 such that the airstream 38 dilutes the contaminant current 28 .
- the duct 30 , 130 , 230 may passively ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) or actively ( FIGS. 4-6 ) conduct the airstream 38 into the debris region 26 to pierce or intersect or interrupt or displace or dilute the contaminant current 28 such that the contaminant current 28 cannot deposit debris, contaminants, and/or moisture onto the lens 22 .
- the vehicle 10 and camera system 12 protect and shield the lens 22 from obstruction by and/or coatings of debris, contaminants, and/or moisture without the use of, for example, wipers, protective coatings, jets for ejecting a liquid, and the like.
- the lens 22 remains clean and operational for collecting light so that the camera 20 may produce an image, even for operating conditions in which the vehicle 10 travels through or is exposed to dust, dirt, rain, snow, grease, and/or tar.
- the aforementioned camera systems 12 are compact, economical to manufacture and assemble into the vehicle 10 , and are deployable from the cavity 18 ( FIG. 1 ) to reduce obscuration of the lens 22 .
Abstract
Description
- The disclosure relates to a camera system for a vehicle.
- Vehicles may include camera systems configured to monitor conditions exterior to the vehicle. For example, a camera system may monitor road surface conditions, traffic conditions, and/or a position of objects exterior to the vehicle. Since vehicles may operate in wet and/or dirty environments, such camera systems are often exposed to moisture and/or debris.
- A camera system for a vehicle includes a body defining a cavity therein, and a camera including a lens. The camera is disposed in a deployed position such that the lens protrudes from the cavity. The camera system also includes a debris region covering the lens and a duct disposed within the cavity. The duct defines a channel therein and has a first end spaced apart from the camera and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The duct is configured for directing an airstream through the channel from the first end to the debris region.
- In one embodiment, the duct defines a plurality of channels therein arranged in a circular array about the debris region. The duct is configured for directing an airstream through the plurality of channels from the first end to the debris region.
- A vehicle includes a frame and an airstream flowable around the frame. The vehicle also includes a camera system including a body attached to the frame and defining a cavity. The camera system further includes a camera including a lens, wherein the camera is disposed in a deployed position such that the lens protrudes from the cavity. The camera system also includes a debris region covering the lens and a duct disposed within the cavity. The duct defines a channel therein and has a first end spaced apart from the camera and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The duct is configured for directing the airstream through the channel from the first end to the debris region. The vehicle also includes a contaminant current disposed in fluid communication with the airstream.
- The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and best modes for carrying out the present disclosure when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle including a camera system having a camera disposed in a deployed position; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a duct of the camera system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of another embodiment of the duct ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of an air mover attached to the duct ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a further embodiment of the duct ofFIG. 2 ; and -
FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of the duct ofFIG. 5 , taken along section lines 6-6. - Referring to the Figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, a
vehicle 10 including acamera system 12 is shown generally inFIG. 1 . Thevehicle 10 andcamera system 12 may be suitable for use during wet and/or dirty vehicle operating conditions in which thecamera system 12 is exposed to moisture, debris, and/or contaminants. Therefore, thevehicle 10 andcamera system 12 may be useful for automotive applications. Alternatively, thevehicle 10 andcamera system 12 may be useful for non-automotive applications such as remote monitoring or security applications for industrial vehicles or aircraft. - As described with reference to
FIG. 1 , thevehicle 10 may be an automotive vehicle such as a passenger sedan, truck, or sport utility vehicle. As such, thevehicle 10 may be configured for transporting one or more occupants and/or goods. Thecamera system 12 may be situated at any location on an exterior of thevehicle 10 and may be arranged to provide monitoring of, for example, road surface conditions, traffic conditions, and/or a presence or position of an object external or adjacent to thevehicle 10. Therefore, thecamera system 12 may be a component of an autonomous driving system, lane departure alert system, and/or object detection system for thevehicle 10. For example, in one non-limiting example as shown inFIG. 1 , thecamera system 12 may be a rearview orbackup camera system 12 configured for monitoring conditions during forward or reverse travel of thevehicle 10. - Referring again to
FIG. 1 , thevehicle 10 includes aframe 14 configured for supporting one or more components of thevehicle 10, e.g., an axle (not shown), an internal combustion engine (not shown), and/or a battery (not shown). Further, thecamera system 12 includes a body 16 attached to theframe 14 and defining acavity 18 or recession therein. For example, the body 16 may be a component of thevehicle 10, such as, but not limited to, a rear decklid (shown generally at 116), a fascia, a bumper, a side body panel, a roof, and the like. The body 16 may be formed from any material, such as metal or plastic. For example, the body 16 may be formed from two sheet metal components welded together to define thecavity 18 therebetween. - Further, as shown in
FIG. 1 , thecamera system 12 includes acamera 20 having alens 22. Thecamera 20 may be any suitable type ofcamera 20, such as, but not limited to, an infrared camera, and thecamera 20 may be formed from any suitable material according to vehicle or component styling. Generally, thelens 22 may be an optical lens having a field of vision adjacent to or in front of thecamera 20 and may be configured for collecting light so that thecamera 20 may produce an image. In addition, although not shown, thecamera system 12 may include a plurality ofcameras 20, e.g., two ormore cameras 20 disposed within a respective one of a plurality of cavities 18 (not shown). - The
camera system 12 may be further characterized as a fixed orstationary camera system 12 in which thecamera 20 remains in a deployedposition 24 such that thelens 22 protrudes from thecavity 18. That is, thecamera 20 andlens 22 may produce an image when thecamera 20 is disposed in the deployedposition 24. Alternatively, thecamera system 12 may be characterized as a deployable orretractable camera system 12 in which thecamera 20 reversibly transitions between the deployedposition 24 and a stowed position (not shown) such that thelens 22 is retracted into thecavity 18. That is, thecamera 20 andlens 22 may not be visible to a vehicle operator when thecamera 20 is disposed in the stowed position. Further, thecamera system 12 may be described as a continuously-operational camera system 12 that operates and generate images when thevehicle 10 is operating, e.g., when thevehicle 10 is moving, when thevehicle 10 is parked, etc. Alternatively, thecamera system 12 may be described as an on-demand or selectively-deployable camera system 12 that may operate only during certain vehicle operating conditions, e.g., when thevehicle 10 is parked, traveling in reverse, or operating at a certain speed, etc. - Referring again to
FIG. 1 , thecamera system 12 also includes adebris region 26 covering thelens 22. Thedebris region 26 may surround and envelop thelens 22, and may represent a zone or area in which acontaminant current 28 may foul or obscure thelens 22. That is, thevehicle 10 further includes thecontaminant current 28 flowable around theframe 14 towards thedebris region 26. Thecontaminant current 28 may be a portion of an airflow about the body 16 during operation of thevehicle 10, and may include debris such as dust or dirt; contaminants such as grease or tar; and/or moisture from rain, standing water, road spray, or snow. In one non-limiting example, thecontaminant current 28 may originate from underneath theframe 14 of thevehicle 10 and carry or deposit the aforementioned debris, contaminants, and/or moisture to thedebris region 26. Therefore, thedebris region 26 may be a three-dimensional space, e.g., a hemispherical zone, which may surround thelens 22. - In contrast, the
vehicle 10 also includes anairstream 38 flowable around theframe 14. Theairstream 38 may be another portion of the airflow across the body 16 during operation of thevehicle 10 that is substantially free from debris, contaminants, and/or moisture. That is, theairstream 38 may be characterized as a comparatively clean, ambient quantity of air that flows along theframe 14 and body 16 as thevehicle 10 travels along a surface. For example, theairstream 38 may flow along a side surface or a roofline or a window glass of thevehicle 10 during operation of thevehicle 10 as thevehicle 10 travels through the environment. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2-4 , thecamera system 12 further includes a duct 30 (FIG. 2 ), 130 (FIGS. 3 and 4 ), 230 (FIGS. 5 and 6 ) disposed within thecavity 18. As described with reference toFIG. 2 , theduct 30 defines achannel 32 therein, and has afirst end 34 spaced apart from thecamera 20 and asecond end 36 spaced apart from thefirst end 34. Theduct 30 is configured for directing the airstream 38 through thechannel 32 from thefirst end 34 to thedebris region 26. That is, thesecond end 36 may be disposed in fluid communication with thedebris region 26 such that thesecond end 36 ejects the airstream 38 into thedebris region 26, as set forth in more detail below. - For example, as described with reference to
FIG. 3 , the body 16 may be the decklid 116 that is pivotably attached to theframe 14 of thevehicle 10 and configured for covering atrunk compartment 40 defined by theframe 14. More specifically, the decklid 116 may have afirst edge 42 and asecond edge 44 spaced apart from thefirst edge 42. When the decklid 116 is disposed in a closed position (shown generally at 46 inFIG. 3 ) and abuts theframe 14 of thevehicle 10 to thereby cover thetrunk compartment 40, thefirst edge 42 may be disposed adjacent arear window glass 100 of thevehicle 10. Conversely, thesecond edge 44 may sealingly abut a rear bumper or fascia when the decklid 116 is disposed in theclosed position 46. - Further, the decklid 116 may also include a
proximal edge 48 abutting thefirst edge 42 and thesecond edge 44, and adistal edge 50 spaced apart from theproximal edge 48 and abutting thefirst edge 42 and thesecond edge 44. In addition, the decklid 116 may have asurface 52 extending between thefirst edge 42 and thesecond edge 44 and defining a void 54 therethrough. That is, thesurface 52 may extend between thefirst edge 42, thesecond edge 44, theproximal edge 48, and thedistal edge 50 so that the decklid 116 has a generally rectangular shape. - In one embodiment as described with reference to
FIG. 2 , theduct 30 may extend from thefirst edge 42 through the void 54 and protrude from thesurface 52. Therefore, theduct 30 may route or direct the airstream 38 from thefirst edge 42 through thesurface 52 to thecamera 20 and lens 22 (FIG. 1 ). Theduct 30 may be formed from any suitable material, and theduct 30 andchannel 32 may have any size and/or shape. However, generally, theduct 30 may be formed from a flexible, durable material such as a plastic or an elastomer so as to snake along thesurface 52 and through the void 54 according to vehicle styling constraints or requirements. - Referring again to
FIG. 3 , in another embodiment, thecamera system 12 may further include anaggregator component 56 connected to thefirst end 34 and configured for collecting theairstream 38. That is, theaggregator component 56 may collect, aggregate, or funnel the airstream into thechannel 32. As such, theaggregator component 56 may have a comparatively larger width or diameter than a width or diameter of thechannel 32 and may passively collect the airstream 38 as thevehicle 10 travels along a road surface. For this embodiment, theaggregator component 56 may be disposed at theproximal edge 48, and theduct 130 may extend through the void 54 and protrude from thesurface 52. Therefore, theaggregator component 56 may passively collect the airstream 38 as the airstream 38 travels over a roofline (not shown) and/or a rear window glass (not shown) of thevehicle 10 during vehicle operation. That is, theaggregator component 56 may collect the airstream 38 at an aerodynamic region or location of comparatively high pressure to thereby provide a comparatively non-contaminated or clean airflow, i.e., theairstream 38, through thechannel 32 to thecamera 20 andlens 22. As such, theaggregator component 56 may be useful for efficiently directing the airstream 38 to thechannel 32 and thedebris region 26 as thevehicle 10 travels at relatively high speed, e.g., highway speeds of greater than or equal to about 70 kilometers per hour. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , in another embodiment, thecamera system 12 further includes anair mover 58 attached to thefirst end 34 and configured for pushing the airstream 38 through thechannel 32. That is, theair mover 58 may actively drive or force the airstream 38 through thechannel 32 towards thedebris region 26. For example, theair mover 58 may be selectively transitionable to an electrically powered state (shown generally at 60) in which theair mover 58 pushes the airstream 38 from thefirst end 34 to thedebris region 26. Theair mover 58 may be powered by an electric system (not shown) of thevehicle 10 and may only draw power to force the airstream 38 through thechannel 32 during certain vehicle operating conditions, e.g., when windshield wipers are operating and/or when thevehicle 10 travels in reverse. As such, theair mover 58 may actively move the airstream 38 through thechannel 32 even when thevehicle 10 is traveling at relatively low speeds, e.g., at speeds of less than about 70 kilometers per hour. That is, theair mover 58 may force the airstream 38 through thechannel 32 to thereby provide a comparatively non-contaminated or clean airflow through thechannel 32 to thecamera 20 andlens 22 regardless of vehicle speeds. - By way of non-limiting examples, the
air mover 58 may be a fan or compressor that may push or force the airstream 38 through thechannel 32. More specifically, with continued reference toFIG. 4 , theair mover 58 may be attached to thesurface 52 of the decklid 116 and disposed between thefirst edge 42, thesecond edge 44, theproximal edge 48, and thedistal edge 50. Therefore, theair mover 58 may be hidden from view when the decklid 116 is disposed in the closed position 46 (FIG. 3 ). - Referring now to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , in a further embodiment, theduct 230 may also define a plurality ofchannels 32 therein arranged in acircular array 62 about thedebris region 26. Theduct 230 may be configured for directing the airstream 38 through the plurality ofchannels 32 from thefirst end 34 to thedebris region 26. As best shown inFIG. 5 , each of the plurality ofchannels 32 may be spaced apart from one another at thesecond end 36 and arranged in thecircular array 62 about thedebris region 26. That is, thecircular array 62 may be disposed within thedebris region 26 and surround thelens 22. - As described with reference to
FIG. 6 , for this embodiment, theduct 230 may include amembrane 64 configured for alternately translating toward and away from thesecond end 36 to alternately thereby push and pull the airstream 38 towards and away from thedebris region 26. Further, by way of a non-limiting example, thecamera system 12 may include apiezoelectric actuator 66 attached to theduct 230. Thepiezoelectric actuator 66 may be configured for vibrating themembrane 64 to alternately push and pull the airstream 38 towards and away from thedebris region 26. That is, thepiezoelectric actuator 66 may include a piezoelectric material that produces an electric current under mechanical load and conversely changes shape in response to an electrical current. Thepiezoelectric actuator 66 may therefore actuate themembrane 64, i.e., vibrate or alternately translate themembrane 64, on demand upon application of the electric current. Such pulses or alternate push and pull of the airstream 38 may decouple the contaminant current 28 from thedebris region 26 surrounding thelens 22 and thereby shield or protect thelens 22 from debris, contaminants, and/or moisture. - As such, the
vehicle 10 may further include ashield 68 formed by the airstream 38 at thedebris region 26 that is configured for displacing or diluting the contaminant current 28. Theshield 68 may be a zone having a comparatively higher pressure than a pressure of thedebris region 26 and may therefore prevent the contaminant current 28 from depositing contaminants onto thelens 22. For example, the airstream 38 ejected from the plurality ofchannels 32 may flow across thedebris region 26 to form theshield 68 having a first air pressure. Likewise, the contaminant current 28 may flow towards thedebris region 26 such that thedebris region 26 has a second air pressure that is less than the first air pressure. Therefore, theairstream 38 may pierce or intersect or disrupt the contaminant current 28 to form theshield 68 and protect thelens 22 from contaminants. - Stated differently, referring again to
FIGS. 3-5 , the contaminant current 28 may be disposed in fluid communication with the airstream 38 by way of theduct airstream 38 dilutes the contaminant current 28. Further, theduct FIGS. 2 and 3 ) or actively (FIGS. 4-6 ) conduct the airstream 38 into thedebris region 26 to pierce or intersect or interrupt or displace or dilute the contaminant current 28 such that the contaminant current 28 cannot deposit debris, contaminants, and/or moisture onto thelens 22. - Therefore, the
vehicle 10 andcamera system 12 protect and shield thelens 22 from obstruction by and/or coatings of debris, contaminants, and/or moisture without the use of, for example, wipers, protective coatings, jets for ejecting a liquid, and the like. As such, thelens 22 remains clean and operational for collecting light so that thecamera 20 may produce an image, even for operating conditions in which thevehicle 10 travels through or is exposed to dust, dirt, rain, snow, grease, and/or tar. In addition, theaforementioned camera systems 12 are compact, economical to manufacture and assemble into thevehicle 10, and are deployable from the cavity 18 (FIG. 1 ) to reduce obscuration of thelens 22. - While the best modes for carrying out the disclosure have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this disclosure relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the disclosure within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
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DE102015115979.1A DE102015115979B4 (en) | 2014-10-06 | 2015-09-22 | Camera system and vehicle |
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US14/506,713 Active US9409529B2 (en) | 2014-10-06 | 2014-10-06 | Camera system and vehicle |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CN105491326B (en) | 2019-05-31 |
US9409529B2 (en) | 2016-08-09 |
DE102015115979A1 (en) | 2016-04-07 |
CN105491326A (en) | 2016-04-13 |
DE102015115979B4 (en) | 2023-12-07 |
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